This photo was taken at the Antiochian Archdiocesan board of trustees meeting that was held a few days ago in Boston. Let's hope this photo means we have moved beyond the wishful thinking stage into the planning stage.

The meeting coincides with a visit from the patriarch of Antioch. Click on this link to see more photos.

Hopefully, this will inspire more monasteries to come, especially out here in the midwest where we are very lacking in such resources for our spiritual growth. I'm hopeful that Bishop BASIL will press for this as time goes on.

Hopefully, this will inspire more monasteries to come, especially out here in the midwest where we are very lacking in such resources for our spiritual growth. I'm hopeful that Bishop BASIL will press for this as time goes on.

Speaking of His Grace, I didn't see him in any of the photos of said meeting. I hope there was a good reason.

I remember many years ago, when Antiochian Village was being built, that future plans indicated there would be a monastery on the property. I would bet that would be the first choice. So Asteriktos may be in luck!

The Antiochians don't have quite as much money as the Greeks do to quickly build 18 or more monasteries in twenty years. Look how many years it took them build Antiochian Village. I trust that God will take us where we need to go.

I'm excited to see the growth of monasticism in America. We have a new women's monastery in the Ozarks which was just consecrated a couple of months ago. It'd be great to see a men's monastery around here as well. Wherever monasticism is on the rise, we will see spiritual growth there.

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"It is remarkable that what we call the world...in what professes to be true...will allow in one man no blemishes, and in another no virtue."--Charles Dickens

The Antiochians don't have quite as much money as the Greeks do to quickly build 18 or more monasteries in twenty years. Look how many years it took them build Antiochian Village. I trust that God will take us where we need to go.

Why even bring this up? All I am hoping for is that the Antiochian Archdiocese isn't going to limit their long-term vision to one monastery; I don't care about timeline/timetable, fundraising, or any other stereotypes like the one you just spouted...

The Antiochians don't have quite as much money as the Greeks do to quickly build 18 or more monasteries in twenty years. Look how many years it took them build Antiochian Village. I trust that God will take us where we need to go.

Why even bring this up? All I am hoping for is that the Antiochian Archdiocese isn't going to limit their long-term vision to one monastery; I don't care about timeline/timetable, fundraising, or any other stereotypes like the one you just spouted...

What stereotypes? Everyone knows the Greek archdiocese is the largest and wealthiest of all jurisdictions. Also, the Greek Archdiocese is blessed with money that came from Greece to help build the monasteries here. We Antiochians are not so lucky. In fact, we sent money to Lebanon to build Balamand seminary and monastery. So I just didn't appreciate your insinuation that this one will be the only monastery. If they only have money to build one monastery right now can't we just be happy about it instead of making a negative remark? We only have one Antiochian Village right now but only because we don't have the money to buy land and build one out here on the west coast. I do know that Bishop Joseph would like to buy land and build Antiochian Village West and on that property he wistfully spoke of building a monastery on it. But at this time, we don't have the money to make that dream a reality yet.

What stereotypes? Everyone knows the Greek archdiocese is the largest and wealthiest of all jurisdictions. Also, the Greek Archdiocese is blessed with money that came from Greece to help build the monasteries here. We Antiochians are not so lucky. In fact, we sent money to Lebanon to build Balamand seminary and monastery.

Never mind. You don't see the stereotype that you laid out, that's fine.

So I just didn't appreciate your insinuation that this one will be the only monastery. If they only have money to build one monastery right now can't we just be happy about it instead of making a negative remark?

I never insinuated that it would be. All I said was "Let's hope 1 plan doesn't mean only 1 monastery in the long-term vision..." That's it. Take it at face value. "Let's hope" - that's what you're claiming to do (i.e. hope that there will be more). I don't know, or insinuate, that there will only be one monastery, or only one in the plan; rather, I hope that it isn't the only one in the long-term plan. Why read into my statement? Why be insulted?

We only have one Antiochian Village right now but only because we don't have the money to buy land and build one out here on the west coast. I do know that Bishop Joseph would like to buy land and build Antiochian Village West and on that property he wistfully spoke of building a monastery on it. But at this time, we don't have the money to make that dream a reality yet.

You seem to be more obsessed with this than you should be. 1. Whether or not you have another village is in God's hands. 2. Even if there is not another camp/retreat center, the one you have is excellent, and is certainly a unifying force in your Archdiocese. I don't know how on earth I've hit on a sensitive nerve when I'm not hitting anything!

We only have one Antiochian Village right now but only because we don't have the money to buy land and build one out here on the west coast. I do know that Bishop Joseph would like to buy land and build Antiochian Village West and on that property he wistfully spoke of building a monastery on it. But at this time, we don't have the money to make that dream a reality yet.

What do you mean "only"? That is a huge project. The only reason the OCA even has their seminaries, land, etc. is that they've had the property for decades. I doubt the GOA is as wealthy as you surmise and I assure you that all the other jurisdictions don't have that deep pockets either. To add, maybe the Antiochians shouldn't think so grand so that plans and ideas can actually come to fruition instead of being dreams.

Never mind. You don't see the stereotype that you laid out, that's fine.

Last I checked, the Greek Archdiocese has an annual budget of around 18 million with some 550 parishes, 20 or so monasteries, St. Nicholas Ranch, and Holy Cross Seminary. The Antiochians have an annual budget of about 5 million, with 250 parishes and Antiochian Village. Is this information a bunch of stereotypes or facts?

Forgot to mention that the Greek Archdiocese is also the recipient of funds from Leadership 100. This organization's charter is to advance Orthodoxy and hellenism.

"Leadership 100, the largest Greek American membership and charitable organization in the United States, holding more than $84 million in assets, held its 17th Annual Conference, in Palm Desert, California, from February 14 to 17, 2008."

“The Endowment Fund has exceeded its goal for 2007,” said Behrakis, “recruiting 68 new members for a total of 755, while fulfilled members hit a record of 344; contributions exceeded $4.3 million, the second highest figure historically and Endowment funds reached $67.8 million with total assets at $84 million.” “Grants distributed since the inception of Leadership 100 will exceed $25 million in 2008,” he concluded.

I never insinuated that it would be. All I said was "Let's hope 1 plan doesn't mean only 1 monastery in the long-term vision..." That's it. Take it at face value. "Let's hope" - that's what you're claiming to do (i.e. hope that there will be more). I don't know, or insinuate, that there will only be one monastery, or only one in the plan; rather, I hope that it isn't the only one in the long-term plan. Why read into my statement? Why be insulted?

Instead of saying,"gee, how exciting...the Antiochians are finally planning to build a monastery," you had to look at the negative side and say, "Let's hope 1 plan doesn't mean only 1 monastery in the long-term vision..."What was the point?

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You seem to be more obsessed with this than you should be. 1. Whether or not you have another village is in God's hands. 2. Even if there is not another camp/retreat center, the one you have is excellent, and is certainly a unifying force in your Archdiocese. I don't know how on earth I've hit on a sensitive nerve when I'm not hitting anything!

I am not obsessed about a future village on the west coast. It will happen in God's time. By sharing the information I was trying to alleviate your concern that there are plans for only one monastery.

What do you mean "only"? That is a huge project. The only reason the OCA even has their seminaries, land, etc. is that they've had the property for decades. I doubt the GOA is as wealthy as you surmise and I assure you that all the other jurisdictions don't have that deep pockets either. To add, maybe the Antiochians shouldn't think so grand so that plans and ideas can actually come to fruition instead of being dreams.

It is a huge project and they have done a really great job. I know the other jurisdictions don't have deep pockets...no question there! I don't think the Antiochians think so grandly. They build what they can afford to build and it just takes them time. I find nothing wrong about how they have built Antiochian Village. They have been fiscally responsible withwhat they have been given.

Speaking of His Grace, I didn't see him in any of the photos of said meeting. I hope there was a good reason.

Bishop BASIL was in Houston for the elevation of one of his priests in his diocese to archpriest. This had been on his schedule for months. This was hardly a frivolous reason.

I'm sure it was and I don't think it was frivolous. I think he should have postponed it though, given how non-urgent elevating an archpriest is vs seeing the Patriarch who doesn't come to the continent that often. It's really not that big of deal to me at least though. From what I know of His Grace, that brings my popularity rating of him from like a 95 to a 93. It could just swing up to a 96 or something with his next decision on whatever. I was just curious why he wasn't there.

Actually, I was even more curious why none of: Met. Nikitas, Met. Gerasimos, Bp. Benjamin, Bp. Joseph or Bp. Maxim were at the IOCC dinner on Sunday. We had His Grace Bp Ilia of the GOA Albanian diocese, who I'm sure most people there were like, who the heck is he? He was nice enough though - just weird not seeing ANY of the California bishops.

Thanks be to God for all things! My belief is that if the Trustees of the Archdiocese have now gone through the expense of architectual plans that there is now a commitment in the Archdiocese to have a monastery. Lets take one step at a time and rejoice that there is progress. Often out of a small stream comes a mighty river, perhaps the opening of one monastery will allow for the building of more in the future. Lets get this one built and populated first.

They better build that Olympia one super-duper dampness and mold proof then. This was a big reason Fr. Jonah (now Metropolitan) moved the Monastery of St. John of Shanghai and SF from Pt. Reyes to Manton.

They better build that Olympia one super-duper dampness and mold proof then. This was a big reason Fr. Jonah (now Metropolitan) moved the Monastery of St. John of Shanghai and SF from Pt. Reyes to Manton.

There are already both men and women from the Antiochian Archdiocese who were blessed by their Antiochian Bishops to enter monastic life throughout the US, Greece, Russia, Mt Athos, and Lebanon. Perhaps it is just the process of calling them home.

Regarding Bp. BASIL's absence in Boston, as was noted, he was at the elevation of an archpriest in Houston. As was also noted, it was planned for months. I was youth director of that parish in Houston before coming to seminary, and a banquet was planned well over a year ago, not only for the elevation of the priest, but also for the parish's 80th anniversary. On another note, the Patriarch's visit, while important, wasn't really announced until a few weeks before he came. A large parish simply cannot cancel a huge banquet and elevation like that on short notice after people had already planned and arranged the parish calendar around it, as I'm sure Bishop BASIL did his calendar. Sayidna Basil is a wonderful bishop, and a living saint as far as I'm concerned. His absence, in my book, was absolutely excusable and permissible regarding the circumstances.

I remember having many a conversation about this subject with church mates, and many felt called to the monastic life, but grieved that our archdiocese had nothing in the country to offer. A few have flown to Syria to become monks. I think this is a great step foreward, and I hope that it is a dream realized as soon as possible.

I just hope they dont keep the name "The Antiochian Monastary". It sounds a bit....well.....corny.

Just an insight on the monastery business: We had discussed the issue of Antiochian Monasticism on my blog a few days ago, and here's what my take on it was:

I know of several Antiochians who have gone into monasticism, and just found it easier to enter one of the established Greek or OCA monasteries. I would love to see Antiochian monasticism in America, but I think I can also safely say that it isn't a huge concern of the Archdiocese right now. The Archdiocese has been at the forefront of making Orthodoxy accessible to America. This isn't bias or anything, but it seems that the Antiochians are, for the most part, the most convert-friendly jurisdiction out there, and are also taking great steps to push the movement for Orthodox unity in America (although the election of Met. JONAH is certainly a wonderful move by the OCA to heal things and get moving in that direction as well.) Right now, in other words, those seem to be the biggest concerns for the Archdiocese, and while the anchor of monastic prayer is certainly an essential thing, with the number of Orthodox monasteries we have in America as of now, I'm not sure it would do a lot of good to set up an Antiochian monastery just to say that we have one. Antiochians interested in monasticism would flourish and do just as much good for the strengthening of the Church Catholic in a Greek or OCA monastery. I believe the bigger concern is to fix the jurisdictional problem. I shouldn't even be saying "Greek" monastery - ideally, I should simply be writing "Orthodox" monastery, because that is the bigger goal. One church in America.

Finally, a reader commented that the proper term should not be Antiochian or Greek or Russian monastery. Quite simply, and I agree with him, it should be "American" monastery.

Just an insight on the monastery business: We had discussed the issue of Antiochian Monasticism on my blog a few days ago, and here's what my take on it was:

I know of several Antiochians who have gone into monasticism, and just found it easier to enter one of the established Greek or OCA monasteries. I would love to see Antiochian monasticism in America, but I think I can also safely say that it isn't a huge concern of the Archdiocese right now. The Archdiocese has been at the forefront of making Orthodoxy accessible to America. This isn't bias or anything, but it seems that the Antiochians are, for the most part, the most convert-friendly jurisdiction out there, and are also taking great steps to push the movement for Orthodox unity in America (although the election of Met. JONAH is certainly a wonderful move by the OCA to heal things and get moving in that direction as well.) Right now, in other words, those seem to be the biggest concerns for the Archdiocese, and while the anchor of monastic prayer is certainly an essential thing, with the number of Orthodox monasteries we have in America as of now, I'm not sure it would do a lot of good to set up an Antiochian monastery just to say that we have one. Antiochians interested in monasticism would flourish and do just as much good for the strengthening of the Church Catholic in a Greek or OCA monastery. I believe the bigger concern is to fix the jurisdictional problem. I shouldn't even be saying "Greek" monastery - ideally, I should simply be writing "Orthodox" monastery, because that is the bigger goal. One church in America.

Finally, a reader commented that the proper term should not be Antiochian or Greek or Russian monastery. Quite simply, and I agree with him, it should be "American" monastery.

I don't think so. Instead of "American," how about "A Monastery Dedicated to the Lord."

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“Find the door of your heart, and you will discover it is the door to the kingdom of God.” - St. John Chrysostom

Fr. George is right and here we go again, picking up on old jurisdictional rivalries, old jealousies and old stereotypes and being critical of the goals of others -all to no good end. I had the privilege to attend a wedding in western PA between a Seminarian from a non-Greek diocese and a young lady from the GOA. They met at an Orthodox camp over the years and it was the unity of faith - not ethnicity - that united them and all who attended. I wish our Antiochian Orthodox brothers and sisters only the best in their endeavors - for their success will be the success of all of us in the US.

Has anyone in the know heard anything more about these proposed monasteries?

I spoke with someone who met the Abbess on a trip to AV. Said she was a very kind person, focused, and quite accessible - a blessing for someone starting something 'new' for the Archdiocese. They did have a bad experience with her mocking someone's piety - they had asked permission to take a photo, and she made a joke about it as if it were a ridiculous request; however, I've never been to a monastery, either in Greece or in the US, where you didn't have to ask permission from a monk or the Abbot/Abbess to take photographs.

I had the privilege to attend a wedding in western PA between a Seminarian from a non-Greek diocese and a young lady from the GOA. They met at an Orthodox camp over the years and it was the unity of faith - not ethnicity - that united them and all who attended. I wish our Antiochian Orthodox brothers and sisters only the best in their endeavors - for their success will be the success of all of us in the US.

I'm excited to see the growth of monasticism in America. We have a new women's monastery in the Ozarks which was just consecrated a couple of months ago. It'd be great to see a men's monastery around here as well. Wherever monasticism is on the rise, we will see spiritual growth there.

Do you have contact info for this monastery? I go down to the Ozarks quite a bit, (Mom has family cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks)

I'm excited to see the growth of monasticism in America. We have a new women's monastery in the Ozarks which was just consecrated a couple of months ago. It'd be great to see a men's monastery around here as well. Wherever monasticism is on the rise, we will see spiritual growth there.

Do you have contact info for this monastery? I go down to the Ozarks quite a bit, (Mom has family cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks)

Well, the Antiochian monastery for women is apparently up and running, any news on when the guys are going to get an Antiochian monastery?

It is indeed "up and running." They need novices, and maybe a few experienced sisters to join. I feel bad for the Abbess - she's got an enormous task, being the only monk there right now and having to build the monastery up from scratch.